Complete Guide to Kentucky Fishing Licenses

The first thing any angler will need before they go fishing in Kentucky is a fishing license or permit. Regardless of whether you’re a resident or non-resident angler, you’ll need an up-to-date license before you go fishing. Luckily, in the article below, we’ll go through everything that you need to know about Kentucky fishing licenses.

In the following guide to Kentucky fishing licenses, we’ll cover:

Have you been thinking about becoming a dedicated Bass angler? Then you need to read our Bass guide: Largemouth Bass Seasons: A Comprehensive Guide, which covers everything you need to know about Largemouth Bass seasons in the United States.

Regardless of your personal angling experience, all anglers need a little bit of assistance when it comes to discovering the best fishing locations, especially if you’re fishing in a new location or just away from home on a quick fishing holiday. Thanks to the advanced technology in the premium Fishing App, the Fishbox, you’ll know the best times to go fishing in Kentucky, when the fish are biting, and when you are just better off testing your luck at a new location.

Types of KY Fishing Licenses

Kentucky has an abundant and healthy fishery, and to ensure that it stays that way, they offer several options when it comes to both resident and non-resident fishing licenses. To see a full breakdown of permits, please visit the Kansas Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.

Kentucky Resident Licenses 

• Annual Fishing.
• Joint/Spouse Annual Fishing.
• 1-Day Fishing.
• 3-Year Fishing.
• Trout Permit.

Kentucky Non-Resident Licenses

• Annual Fishing.
• 1-Day Fishing.
• 7-Day Fishing.
• Trout Permit.

Cost of Kentucky Fishing Licenses

Kentucky offers a variety of different license costs and times, which makes it easy and convenient to get out on the water and enjoy the fantastic fishing on offer. To see a detailed and current breakdown of different hunting and fishing permits, please visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.

Kentucky Resident Licenses 

• Annual Fishing – $23.
• Joint/Spouse Annual Fishing – $42.
• 1-Day Fishing – $7.
• 3-Year Fishing – $55.
• Trout Permit – $10.

Kentucky Non-Resident Licenses

• Annual Fishing – $55.
• 1-Day Fishing – $15.
• 7-Day Fishing – $35.
• Trout Permit – $10.

By purchasing a fishing license in Kentucky and following all size, bag, and seasonal limits, you’re directly contributing to the ongoing health of the fishery and ensuring that future generations of anglers will be able to enjoy the same fantastic fishing opportunities we enjoy today.

Age Requirements for KY Fishing License

Fishing licenses in Kentucky are valid from the 1^{st of} March through to February 28^th each year or from the date of purchase if you’re buying a short-term permit. To encourage youth anglers to get outside and enjoy the abundant fishing opportunities in the state, Kentucky only requires a fishing license for anglers aged 16 and up.

If you know an angler under 16, getting outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery and excellent fishing Kentucky offers is a great way to not only spend a day but also develop a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Kentucky has several free fishing days, June 1^st and 2^nd, 2024, where anyone can fish any of the waters in Kentucky without a license. Please note all season, size, and bag limits still apply.

Where to Obtain a Kentucky Fishing License

To make it easy to get out on the water, Kentucky offers several different ways that you can quickly and easily purchase your fishing license, including online and in-person options. 

To learn more about license purchasing, please visit the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.

Purchasing Online

If you would like to purchase a fishing license online, you can do so by visiting the secure Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Online License Sales site. You can also print any replacement licenses online for free. If you’d like to purchase a gift card for a friend or family member, you can also do that online at the link above.

Purchasing In Person

If you would prefer to purchase your fishing permit in person, you can do that at one of over 900 authorized agents located conveniently throughout the state. For a full list of authorized agent locations, click here.

Complete Guide to Kentucky Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

Hopefully, now, with the information above, you’ll know everything you need to know about Kentucky fishing licenses, including where to purchase one, what type of license you need, and how much they cost.

By purchasing a fishing license in Kentucky and following all of the fishing regulations and laws, you’re directly contributing to the ongoing health and wellness of the fishery so that future generations of anglers can enjoy the same fantastic fishing opportunities we all enjoy today.

The Fishbox App utilizes an in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling so that you, regardless of species, can accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to head out on the water.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Kentucky, please feel free to comment below. Our team of fishing experts and enthusiasts love to answer any fishing-related questions and enjoy reading feedback from readers.